STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — After learning about her friend’s battle with pediatric cancer, 4-year-old Nicole Ravelo, her mom Marissa, dad, Mike,and brother, Michael, were inspired to help contribute to the cause — and in so doing perhaps ease the plight of young children.

Giulianna Saliceti, also age 4 and a classmate of Nicole’s at Holy Child Preschool, has a neuroblastoma, a malignant tumor that develops from nerve tissue and occurs in infants and children. The youngsters, who developed a close friendship — and their families — planned to construct a lemonade stand, the proceeds of which would be donated to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

The stand, named for Alexandra (Alex) Scott, who succumbed to pediatric cancer, is an organization that raises funds for juvenile cancer research. At age 4, Alex, devised a plan to sell lemonade at 50 cents a cup in hopes of raising funds for her hospital. She kept at it each year until she passed away at age 8.

Giulianna, the Ravelo family stand hero, manned the lemonade stand along with Nicole, where on sale in addition to ice-cold drinks was a selection of cookies, candy and other sweet treats. In all, more than $2,400 was raised for the cause.

FYI: Prior to this charitable endeavor, the Ravelo family, through donations from family members and friends, contributed $1,000 to the Boston Children’s Hospital in honor of their cousin, who had been treated there.

What’s more, the Ravelo family rounded up more than 100 dresses and presented the frocks to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to be worn at their Pediatric Prom. And during another project, more than 700 books were given to Staten Island’s Reach Out and Read Program. The Ravelos also contribute clothing and food to their school and church.

And though this was the Ravelos’ first lemonade stand, they try to take on one good deed per month of various types, in order to instill in their children the true meaning of giving and assisting those who are less fortunate.

Stay tuned for news of their bake sale!

Those interested in donating to Alex’s Lemonade Stand should visit http://www.alexslemonade.org. CELEBRATIONS